By IANS
Panipat (Haryana) : Ten people were killed and six injured in a devastating fire in a textile mill in this industrial city in Haryana Sunday even as its owner was arrested for negligence.
Most of the dead and the injured were between 15 to 25 years, police sources said.
The bodies were charred beyond recognition after the fire was reported in the mill early Sunday. The combustible raw material of synthetic thread at the mill caught fire within seconds following a short circuit.
The owner of the mill was arrested and a case of causing death by negligence was registered against him.
The state government announced a compensation of Rs.100,000 to next of kin of those dead.
Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda condoled the deaths and said strict action will be taken against the mill owner. “We will make him compensate families of those killed and injured,” he said.
The mill did not have any fire safety measures. Fire brigade personnel fought with the flames and smoke for over six hours to control the blaze. The entire old industrial area complex of this city was engulfed in smoke following the fire.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Mahender Lal ordered a probe into the fire incident and the death of labourers. The additional deputy commissioner will conduct the probe.